Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant

A CLOSER LOOK AT THIS WEEK’S HOUSE SPECIAL: Summer Sandwich ($13.95)

If Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant’s name doesn’t ring a bell, the two horse statues in front of the eatery are sure to jog your memory. Upon entering the favored Chinese eatery, you are met with high ceilings, vibrant colors of reds and yellows and always friendly faces. During the day, you can hear the hustle and bustle of shuffling carts dishing out woven baskets of dim sum, including originals such as Snow Mountain Char Siu Buns ($3.60 for three) and Egg White Custard ($4.50). Always innovative, the staff at Jade Dynasty is offering something perfect for summer — the tasty winter melon and ham dish called Summer Sandwich.

Winter melon is the star of the dish and is actually at its prime in the summer, or “at least until July,” says Chan.

According to general manager Gary Chan, the melon and ham are plated as if there are eight separate “sandwiches.”

Each bite is soft, flavorful and delicate — perfect for those diners who prefer a lighter, healthier choice this summer.

Chan let’s Step Up to the Plate in on what diners soon can expect from the menu, which includes a dish that has yet to be named. Minced pork, roasted garlic, egg and lobster are cooked on high heat and served on a bed of skinny egg noodles, a dish reminiscent of what Chan calls, “Hong Kong-style street food.” Diners are encouraged to keep their eyes peeled and their chopsticks ready.

The winter melon is braised in a chicken stock with thinly sliced Virginia ham, until the flavor of the stock and the pork is soaked up into the now softened melon.

Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant

Third floor of Ala Moana Center, next to Romano’s Macaroni Grill
947-8818
Daily, 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; dim sum available, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.